Svensson one clear in South African Open

Sweden’s Jesper Svensson fired a five-under 67 to take a one-shot lead into the last two rounds of the Investec South African Open.

The 27-year-old leads on nine-under par from a three-strong chasing posse featuring young South African Casey Jarvis, Italy’s Matteo Manassero and Swedish compatriot Joakim Lagergren at the Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate near Johannesburg.

Svensson is bidding to become only the third Swedish winner of the title and the first since Henrik Stenson in 2012.

“It feels great halfway through the tournament and I’m happy to be in a good position going into the weekend,” said Svensson, who made four birdies in his first five holes and another at the 18th, having started on the back nine.

He picked up another shot at the fourth before following back-to-back bogeys at the fifth and sixth with his seventh birdie of the day at the seventh.

“I had a hot start and the putter was on fire from the beginning,” said the Swede, who is chasing his maiden DP World Tour win.

“But it was a long day. It feels like a never-ending golf course out there.”Jarvis shot 70, Mannasero a 68 and overnight leader Largergren a 71 to share second place on eight-under.

“I can’t wait to get out there again,” said Jarvis (20), who finished second on the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca rankings last season to clinch his card.

“It felt like another social round out there and I’ll try and approach it the same over the next two days.”

He added: “Patience is key and I think I’m doing that well. It’s a big goal of mine to start well in these first few events of the new DP World Tour season at home and I’m trying to take advantage of that.

“I’ve put myself in a good position and I’ll give it my all.”